Le samouraï


Long considered a classic of European film noir, this existential gangster drama from French director Jean-Pierre Melville was released in the United States only in a severely truncated, re-edited, and overdubbed version entitled The Godson. Thirty years after its initial public airing, Le Samourai (1967) finally saw a limited American release in its intended form. Alain Delon stars as Jef Costello, a professional Parisian assassin-for-hire who, by nature of his work's solitary demands, has no friends. Although he is loved by Jane Lagrange (Natalie Delon, the star's real-life wife), Costello knows that Jane already has a lover. After he successfully wipes out a nightclub owner at the behest of his boss, Costello discovers that he was seen by the club's pianist, Valerie (Cathy Rosier). Although he survives a police lineup thanks to a lie offered up by the fearless Valerie, Costello's alibi disintegrates rapidly and his shadowy employer takes out a contract on him. As he seeks revenge on his betrayer, Costello must also stay one step ahead of a wily, determined superintendent (Francois Perier). Melville's film influenced several other filmmakers and projects, most notably director John Woo's The Killer (1989).

In French with English subtitles.

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Producer(s): Raymond Borderie
Cast: Alain Delon, Jean-Pierre Posier, Robert Favart, Roger Fradet, Jacques Leroy, Robert Rondo, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, Cathy Rosier, Catherine Jourdan, Michel Boisrond, Andre Salgues, Carlo Nell, Georges Casati, Jack Leonard, Andre Thorent, Jacques Deschamps, Gaston Meunier
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